Rach Gia is the capital of Kien Giang Province in Vietnam and a port on the Gulf of Thailand. It is not big, but is full of attractions. Being an important centre in the region, it is quite developed and has a lot of cultural and historic relics at the same time.
Rach Gia by night Image source: vi-vn.facebook.com
How To Get There?
By plane
Rach Gia Airport serves domestic flights to and from Phu Quoc Island and Ho Chi Minh City operated by Vietnam Airlines. The flights are served on a daily basis.
By bus
Buses and minibuses connect Rach Gia with the nearest big cities of the country:
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To/ from Ha Tien: 2,5 hours, $2,5 (50,000 VND);
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To/ from Hon Chong: 2,5 hours, $2,5 (50,000 VND);
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To/ from Can Tho: 3 hours, $3,5 (75,000 VND);
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To/ from Long Xuyen: 1,5 hours, $1,5 (30,000 VND);
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To/ from Ho Chi Minh City: 6 hours, $8 (165,000 VND).
You can buy a ticket at the bus station. If there’s an opportunity, it is recommended to do it in advance, as due to lack of the transport connection, the tickets may be sold out in a few hours before departure. You can also do it with the help of reliable travel companies.
Rach Gia port Image source: wikimedia.org
By boat
There are regular hydrofoils cruising between Phu Quoc and such destinations as Rach Gia. One way trip from/to Rach Gia lasts approximately for 2,5 hours and the ticket should costs about $15 (350,000 VND). There’s also a discount for senior (above 60 years old) and disabled people, as well as for children under the age of 11. The timetable of arrivals and departures is available on the webpage of the Superdong transfer company.
Thing To See At Rach Gia
Tam Quan Gate
Tam Quan gate, or as it is also called, Three Entrance Gate, is a true symbol of Rach Gia and is considered to be an entrance to the city. This is a beautiful triple arch bearing the traditional elements of Vietnamese architecture.
Tam Quan gate Image source: khoanhkhacvietnam.vn
Nguyen Trung Truc Temple
The temple is dedicated to Nguyen Trung Truc who was a leader of the resistance movement against the newly arrived French in the end of 19th century. Today this is one of the biggest attractions of Rach Gia and an important religious destinations for the entire region.
Nguyen Trung Truc Temple Image source: alotrip.com
Tam Bao Pagoda
This is another destination of Rach Gia with a beautiful story behind. It was built in the beginning of 19th century by the Vietnamese Emperor Gia Long to honour a local woman who aided him after the Tay Son Rebellion. It is surrounded by a quite and cozy garden with numerous sculptures and is definitely a great place to spend some time and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere.
Inside the pagoda Image source: wikimedia.org
Phat Lon Pagoda (Khmer pagoda)
This is an amazing Cambodian Buddhist pagoda, which name is translated as Big Buddha. Even nowadays the majority of the monks living here are the ethnic Khmers. It has a magnificent architecture and zen garden in the courtyard with an over hundred-year old tree originated from Sri Lanka.
Phat Lon Pagoda Image source: panoranio.com
Kien Giang Museum
The museum is housed in one of the most ancient and beautiful buildings in the city. It has an outstanding and sophisticated exterior design with traditional oriental elements inside of the building. The museum is exposing a big collection of war memoirs, historical photos and cultural relics.
Kieng Giang Museum Image source: flickr.com
Local Specialities
Are you a foodie? Then probably, you will enjoy your visit to Rach Gia, Being a port town, it has a big choice of sea specialities as well as traditional Vietnamese dishes. The most popular places to eat and drink among locals and travelers are Thanh Binh, Hai Au, Ao Dai Moi,Valentine, which also offer sometimes different types of entertainment like karaoke or sport events.
Dinner in Rach Gia Image source: teamfroz.blogspot.com
Rach Soi Market
Market is a right place to go, if you want to explore people’s everyday life, local culture and of course, buy cheap, fresh and exotic fruits, vegetables and other local specialities. The biggest one in Rach Gia is the Rach Soi market, located close to the port of the town.
Market in Vietnam Image source: theweddingtravelers.com
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